Enter and view: Acorn Heights Care Home

Healthwatch Lancashire conducted an announced Enter and View visit to Acorn Heights Care Home, a privately owned 22 bed care home, on 23 January 2018 as part of a planned programme of work.

Acorn Heights Care Home caters for residents who may have more complex needs and have been unable to settle elsewhere. The Enter and View Authorised Representatives were told by the manager that the home was not a defined “elderly” care home as some residents were younger and had been unsettled at other facilities prior to settling at Acorn Heights. It was explained that some of the residents had previously had significant social problems experiencing homelessness, substance misuse or mental ill health.

The staff advised the Authorised Representatives that many of the residents benefit by accessing the local community and residents reported being encouraged and supported to do so.

Feedback from residents was very positive however, one or two respondents were unsure about the care they received. Respondents spoke well of the food and the activities on offer and representatives observed that there was resident consultation around both areas. Staff spoken to said that they were very happy, that the management team was supportive, and that they enjoyed their jobs.

The report notes that the environment was well organised but informal, with staff encouraged to deliver person centred care. The manager told Healthwatch Lancashire that the care home owner was fully invested and supportive of the ongoing programme of change.

There were no recommendations made in the report.